Things to do

Ghost Walk of Southport

Old South Tour Company's lantern-led Ghost Walk Tour is our signature tour and has been a fan favorite since 2004.  Join us for a family-friendly, spine tingling 90-minute encounter with the restless spirit world that is Southport.  You will hear chilling stories of specters and  haunts and learn about the rich history of the Southport area.  Hear legends, lore and even the secret language of headstones.  We invite you and your family to come and get acquainted with the night!

Tip: This is a MUST do, so much fun for all ages!!!

Ocean Crest Pier

Ocean Crest Pier is a family friendly fishing pier. It is great for fishing or just coming out to walk and enjoy the pier.  The pier is widely known for fishermen catching king mackerel off of it's T section at the end of the 893 foot pier.  Come out at watch the people fish or fish yourself.  You do not need a fishing license.  The pier takes care of that for you.  You can bring your own gear or rent it at the pier house.

 

 

Sky Diving!

We’re a family-run business. Our DZOs are father-and-son team Brian and Blake Strong, and not-so-little brother Connor will soon gain his wings. Everything we do is personal and 100% driven by our passion to not only share but also to advance the sport.

Tip: OK...to be honest we haven't tried this....YET.

Scenic Air Tours

Enjoy scenic views of the ocean, local rivers, shipwrecks, area lighthouses, wildlife and much more! High Tide Helicopters offers private charters, scenic tours and professional flight training services.

 

Tip: It is on the pricey side but you will never forget the sights of the coast from the air!

North Carolina Maritime Museum

Visitors to the NC Maritime Museum in Southport will enjoy a fascinating walk through the maritime history of the Lower Cape Fear region. See a 2,000-year old Native American canoe. Learn about the hiding place for the likes of Blackbeard and other pirates. View exhibits on noted area shipwrecks. The museum programs are designed fun for all ages so stop by during your next Southport-Oak Island vacation.

 

The Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Make connections with the natural world at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
Feel the smooth skin of a gliding stingray. Spot eels and sharks swimming in the depths. Look an albino alligator in the eye.
Wonder at baby sea turtles. Delight in a family of otters playing in a waterfall.  

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Tip: Make reservations online, during the summer season they can be sold out.  You need to take the Ferry from Southport to Fort Fisher(with your car).  It is about a 30 minute ferry ride and lots of fun!

 The Oak Island Lighthouse

The Oak Island Lighthouse was completed in 1958 at a total cost of $110,000.00. The lights are 169 feet above the water. A misconception is that the lighthouse itself is 169 feet tall. The actual structure is 153 feet tall, but it stands on a slight rise. Therefore, the height of the light above the water is 169 feet, and it is so reported on nautical charts. There is no spiral staircase as found in most older lighthouses, but instead a series of ships ladders with a total of 131 steps to the lantern gallery level.

 Tip: Climbing to the top is available year-round for anyone 9 years or older with up to SIX weeks (or more) advanced notice required during the busy summer season and around holidays for a reservation. All requests will be offered the opportunity to join already scheduled tours IF openings exist. Top tours from October 1st through April 30th are only offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. depending on available space. Top tours from May 1st through September 30th are offered every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday with the first tour starting at 9:30 a.m. ALL top tours are in the morning. We are closed on most major holidays. 

Oak Island Jungle Golf & Arcade

Oak Island Jungle Golf offers the ultimate entertainment experience — combining the excitement of the jungle with other family favorites activities. Looking for a fun day out in Oak Island? You’ve come to the right place! Since 2004, we’ve provided a safe, fun-filled environment, with great food, and a lively atmosphere. Stop by and get ready to play!

Tip: Limited days and hours in the off season

Shallotte River Swamp Park

Shallotte River Swamp Park offers swamp boat tours, a zipline canopy course, guided ATV tours, and more.

 

Throw Baxe Axe Throwing

& Board Game Lounge

This family-owned and operated business offers axe throwing with 8 different lanes, a lounge area complete with all the board games you can imagine.

 

Quest Game The Port

 

Want to learn more about Southport? This fun and interactive scavenger hunt takes players through Southport on a quest for historical facts and truths. Simply download the application and take your family on adventure, scoring points for solving trivia and checking in at local spots along the way.